Briefly Noted
Briefly Noted
• The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC; Dallas) said a study released last week by Muse & Associates (Washington) showed that respiratory therapists reduce deaths by 42% and save Medicare $98 million a year. The study showed that the death rate for Medicare nursing home patients with lung problems is significantly lower for those treated by respiratory therapists (RT) than for those not treated by an RT. The study showed that lung patients who received care from an RT in a skilled nursing facility had a 42% lower death rate 4.8 deaths per 1,000 patients as opposed to 8.3 deaths per 1,000 patients not treated by an RT. The report also revealed evidence that care delivered by RTs produces not only improved patient outcomes, but also significant cost savings.
• Representatives from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO; Oakbrook Terrace, IL) say accreditation is going to get tougher for home care agencies, reported Drug Topics. Faced with criticism by the federal government and demands by the public for increased accountability in medical care, JCAHO is considering a reformulation of how it "goes forward", Drug Topics reported. The organization has established a task force to develop improved accreditation processes in cooperation with the subject organizations. JCAHO said it is going to conduct a series of focus groups over the next year, including a home care focus group. One thrust of the new approach will be an emphasis on patient safety, JCAHO said.
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